Sunday

Sep 10, 2017 at 12:13 AMSep 10, 2017 at 12:26 AM

Of all the tributes that Beverly’s Pete Frates has received throughout the past several years after being diagnosed with ALS in 2012 from the Red Sox giving him a lifetime contract to New England Patriots owner Bob Kraft singing happy birthday to him, the St. John’s Prep announcement on Aug. 30 really meant a lot, according to his dad, John.

During that press conference, St. John’s Prep Headmaster Dr. Edward P. Hardiman proclaimed they were renaming the baseball diamond to the "Pete Frates ’03 Diamond," and are also retiring his No. 3 that he so proudly wore with distinction. Hardiman also mentioned that Pete was chosen the 2018 Distinguished Alumnus Award recipient.

Pete’s first love was baseball, and his dad still remembers the left-handed hitting slugger belting home runs into the trees beyond the right-field fence on the Prep’s old diamond.

After the press conference, Andrew Frates, Pete’s younger brother, was not surprised by the school’s overwhelming gesture of appreciation.

"We’re certainly a St. John’s Prep family. It’s in our hearts ever since my dad went here," Andrew said. "Pete, at first, had a difficult time deciding between Beverly High School and the Prep, but for me I had no such decision to make, because as soon as Pete stepped foot onto the campus I knew I wanted to come here.

"This is so incredibly special what the Prep is doing for Pete, and it’s definitely a lasting legacy to him," added Andrew. "I don’t want to compare this to what Endicott [College], Boston College and the Red Sox have done, because they were all awesome. We’re so thankful for all of them, and are truly in debt to all of them. We love them all, and consider them a part of our family."

When it was his time to attend the Spring Street campus, Andrew wanted to wear Pete’s No. 3, but he had to acquiesce to an upperclassman, and settled for two, instead. "But wearing a different number gave me a chance to make my own identity here at the Prep, and not just be Pete’s brother. I was Andrew Frates at St. John’s Prep," he said.

The brothers are separated by three years. When Pete was a senior, he’d drive his freshman brother to school, encouraging him to lift weights, run extra sprints and stay late after practice to work on fundamentals.

"He’d get me up early, so he wouldn’t be late for captains’ practices, but I took his advice to heart. He’s been my role model since the day I was born. He’s my hero, and since his diagnosis it has only enhanced my feelings toward him," Andrew said.

Pete was a typical older brother, sometimes teasing his younger brother, but don’t let anybody else bother Andrew, because Pete was right there to protect him.

Pete’s dad also thought the Prep’s tribute was spectacular. "This is a permanent lasting legacy to Pete," said John.

"This is the place that formulated his drive and determination, all the way up to his current courageous battle fighting ALS," he added.

His mom Nancy echoed similar sentiments. "At the core, this is who he is. He became the person he is, right here at the Prep. He went from a boy to a man here," she said.

"This is such an amazing place. When I was here, they were struggling financially, but now to see all of this success they have had not only athletically that I have witnessed, but also academically and morally and intellectually, it makes you proud. This is such a great honor for Pete, when taking everything into account that has happened here at the Prep recently and it’s all been good," John added.

"We have taken the boys out to many college campuses, and we found out many of them don’t even compare to the Prep, and that’s the best part about this honor."